Uzbekistan’s gas sales to China drop by half in 2023 compared to 2022
Uzbekistan’s natural gas supplies to China almost halved in 2023, reaching $563.5 million. In December, exports amounted to $54.5 million.
What Uzbekistan traded with foreign countries in 2023
Uzbekistan’s 2023 trade turnover increased by 23.8% to $62.6 billion, yielding a record $13.7 billion trade deficit. Record gold exports reached a third of total volume, while those of textile and manufactured goods declined. Imports surged for food, oil and gas.
Poverty line increases in Uzbekistan
Minimum monthly expenditure basket in Uzbekistan has been raised by 9.3%, from 568,000 to 621,000 soums (from $45.78 to $50.05). This indicator is used to determine the poverty line in the country and considers the inflation rate.
Uzbekistan, EU eager to speed up signing Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement
Special representative of the president of Uzbekistan on foreign policy Abdulaziz Kamilov and representative of the European Commission Zivka Petkova expressed interest in promptly signing the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the EU during a meeting in Brussels.
Tashkent khokimiyat claims to be developing measures for environmental improvement
Tashkent khokimiyat asserts its commitment to developing measures for improvement of the city’s environmental situation involving foreign experts. Some clauses might be considered as “robust,” the administration noted, referring to the research-based strategy to be presented to the public soon.
“2024 will be year of efficiency and cost reduction in economy,” says President Mirziyoyev
Uzbekistan embarks on a year of efficiency and cost reduction for managers of the economic complex and all state-owned enterprises in 2024, the president stated. The plan aims for a minimum economic growth of 6% and 20 trillion soums reduction in production costs across major industries.
Uzbekistan plans 15% reduction in deputies within government’s economic sector
President directed a 15% reduction in the number of deputies within the economic sector of Uzbekistan’s government, currently comprising 40 such members, citing a lack of “modern thinking and efficiency in decision-making.” KPIs will be introduced for managers, influencing their salaries.
“We firmly support ‘One China' policy,” MFA of Uzbekistan on Taiwan’s elections
Uzbekistan stands for the “one China” policy and believes in Taiwan being an integral part of the PRC, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan states. Vice President Lai Ching-te, who stands for the island’s independence, won the presidential elections in Taiwan last Saturday.
Flash mob for clean air by activists: “We need long-term solutions, not one-off measures”
Activists, bloggers and artists held a flash mob #TozaHavoKerak in the Tashkent city center to draw attention to environmental problems, emphasizing poor air quality. They expect the authorities to take long-term and comprehensive solutions rather than one-off measures, they said. Photos included.
President Mirziyoyev: “If we do not satisfy demand for news and analytics, others will do it for us”
If people’s demand in news and analysis is not satisfied by local sources, this will be done by foreign ones, president of Uzbekistan told the Security Council. “This is impermissible,” he stressed.
In 2024, Karakalpakstan plans to attract investments worth $2.1 billion
Investments worth $2.1 billion are planned to be attracted to Karakalpakstan in 2024. Water conservation technologies will be introduced in six thousand hectares of land. 220 billion soums will be streamlined to citizens' initiatives.
“Action from government and civil society is required.” U.S. Ambassador on air quality in Tashkent
U.S. Ambassador Jonathan Henick and USAID Mission Director David Hoffman shared their thoughts on air quality in Tashkent. Citizens should take personal interest as it affects “them, their family and their children” and urge the authorities to study the issue and take action, the ambassador noted.
Laws must be executed, not just penned, urged Shavkat Mirziyoyev
People of Uzbekistan will be confident about their future if the country will strictly adhere to the rule of law, President Mirziyoyev stated, addressing the employees of the prosecutor’s office. “This goal is attainable,” he shared in his message.
In 2024 Uzbekistan aims to ensure employment of five million people
Uzbekistan targets to create employment opportunities for 5 million people in 2024. Official unemployment rate currently stands at 1.3 million. Additional 2.4 million people are expected to step into the labor market during the year.
Uzbekistan remains global leader in gold sales for second consecutive month, despite decrease in reserves
Uzbekistan leads global gold sales for the second consecutive month, having sold 11 tons in November 2023. Despite a rise in international reserves in December, the country’s “financial cushion” dropped by $1.2 billion in 2023 to $34.56 billion, marking the first decline since 2018.
Binance fined for operating without license in Uzbekistan
Binance, international crypto exchange, has been fined in Uzbekistan for operating without a license, National Agency of Perspective Projects said.
Price of AI-80 gasoline in Uzbekistan is planned to be limited
Price limit of 8,000 Uzbek soums is planned to be imposed on the sale of AI-80 gasoline at all gas stations in Uzbekistan. Additionally, Tatneft, Lukoil, Gazpromneft and Saneg will participate in constructing over 80 gas stations along main highways to promote competition in the market.
Tashkent city khokimiyat intends to return credit ratings from Fitch agency
The Tashkent city khokimiyat has decided to re-engage in the credit rating process with the international agency Fitch Ratings, which earlier withdrew the city’s ratings.
Uzbekistan records lowest inflation in 2023 since 2016
Inflation in Uzbekistan made up 8.77% in 2023, lowest since 2016. During the year, rice price grew by 38.7%, meat by 9.3%, milk by 13.3%, eggs by 11.7%, sugar by 11%. Gasoline prices increased by 19.1%, propane (as car fuel) by 29.4%.
PM2.5 concentration level in Tashkent air exceeds WHO recommendations by 18.7 times
As of 8 a.m. Wednesday morning, the PM2.5 particle concentration in the air of Tashkent reached 67.5 micrograms per cubic meter, exceeding WHO recommendations by 18.7 times. At 4 a.m., this indicator in the Uzhydromet area was 87.5 micrograms per cubic meter.
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